Actor was Norris’ sidekick on ‘Walker, Texas Ranger’
Clarence Gilyard, a film and television actor known for his roles in “Walker, Texas Ranger,” “Matlock,” “Top Gun” and “Die Hard,” has died. He was 66.
UNLV confirmed Gilyard’s death Monday in a statement shared on Instagram. The performer, director and producer was also a film and theater professor who taught acting for the stage and screen at the school. No cause or date of death was given.
“It is with profound sadness that I share this news,” said Nancy Uscher, dean of the UNLV college of fine arts. “His students were deeply inspired by him, as were all who knew him. He had many extraordinary talents and was extremely wellknown in the university through his dedication to teaching and his professional accomplishments.”
Gilyard made his big-screen debut as naval flight officer Marcus “Sundown” Williams in the original “Top Gun” (1986). He later portrayed computer hacker Theo in the classic action flick “Die Hard” (1988) before starring as private investigator Conrad Mcmasters in the hit mystery series “Matlock” (1989-1993).
He’ll perhaps be most remembered as Chuck Norris’ onscreen partner James “Jimmy” Trivette in the popular crime series “Walker, Texas Ranger” (19932001).
Gilyard earned his BA in theater arts from Cal
State Dominguez Hills and an MFA in theater performance at SMU before teaching acting at UNLV. “Professor Gilyard was a beacon of light and strength for everyone around him at UNLV,” said UNLV film chairwoman Heather Addison. “Whenever we asked him how he was, he would cheerfully declare that he was ‘Blessed!’ But we are truly the ones who were blessed to be his colleagues and students for so many years. We love you and will miss you dearly, Professor G!”
Said UNLV theater professor Nate Bynum: “Some may find it surprising to know that Clarence valued his appointment as a university professor as highly, maybe higher, then his illustrious career as a TV star. It was a major goal for him. He loved ... the students he instructed in his classroom.
“Gone too soon.”